Era 01 · The Archive
Before the punchline. Before discernment had language. Before I knew the difference between being chosen and being seen.
Original artwork by Marcia Jones · Writings by Ms. Dare I Say
These archives are held as artifacts of becoming, not instructions for self-abandonment.
He Said, She Said: A Love Story
Artwork by Marcia Jones
circa 2014 · Ms. Dare I Say
"A workbook in poetic form. Two souls meeting on this plane of existence. He Said: 'All I want is you.' She Said: 'You can have all of me.'"
What I understand now
What I understand now: 'all of me' was never the price of admission. The willingness to disappear was not love — it was inheritance.
In Love There Are Many Shades of Gray
Artwork by Marcia Jones
Workbook excerpt · Art by Marcia Jones
"What happens when you fall in love and all is as it should be — and suddenly the ax drops? This is what it looks like when I walk away. Make love to the present, not the past."
What I understand now
What I could not see then: the ax was always in his hand. I just kept asking it to be a bouquet.
Exposed
Cover photograph from the original edition
THE RECEIPTS · Self-published, circa 2008
"When you have surrendered and there is nothing left, you must become exposed. A collection of poems and stories from the woman who would later pick up the hotline."
What I understand now
What I understand now: I thought exposure meant being seen by someone else. It was rehearsal for witnessing myself.
PLATES FROM THE ARCHIVE
These were taken before the hotline had a name.
"What longing made me ignore?"
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